The Aruba ED Card for business travelers is mandatory for all non-resident visitors arriving in Aruba. Active-duty crew clear via GENDEC; business visitors and deadheading crew must complete the ED Card individually. Last updated: August 2026. Verify current requirements on the Aruba tourism portal before departure.
The ED Card runs on the RADEX BCMS processing system (redesigned October 30, 2024) and is not a visa. US citizens remain visa-exempt for up to 90 days but must still complete the Aruba ED Card for business travelers. Entry assessment occurs on arrival, on its own merits. The $20 Sustainability Fee was introduced in July 2024.
What Is the Aruba ED Card – and Is It Required for Business Travelers?
The Aruba ED Card for business travelers is a mandatory pre-registration form for non-residents, not a visa, and does not guarantee entry. Business travelers must hold a valid passport and complete the ED Card before departure.
Submit as early as 7 days before arrival; the recommended window is 72 hours prior. The latest accepted submission is at the airport check-in counter. The form takes 10-15 minutes; confirmation arrives by email (affirmation) with a QR code and green checkmark. The Aruba ED Card for business travelers is valid only for the specified travel dates.
Business Travelers – Permitted Activities & Work Permit Boundaries
Meetings and conferences are allowed under the ED Card; paid services require a DIMAS work permit. The Aruba ED Card for business travelers covers immigration screening only.
| ED Card Sufficient | DIMAS Work Permit Required |
|---|---|
| Attending meetings, signing contracts, consulting, participating in conferences | Installing equipment, providing paid services, recurring assignments |
For the accommodation field, enter a local company host address, coworking space, or registered Airbnb. Never leave it blank. Commercial samples and AV equipment are handled by Departamento di Aduana upon arrival, not through the ED Card. For work authorization questions, contact [email protected].
Group & Corporate Travel Coordinator Filing
No batch upload feature exists. Each traveler must submit an individual application through edcardaruba.aw. Coordinators can prepare a spreadsheet with all passenger data (passport details, travel information, accommodation addresses) to speed up individual filings.
Same-Day Business Trips: Under 24 Hours
The Aruba ED Card for business travelers is still required even when the $20 fee is waived for transit passengers staying under 24 hours. The only exception: remaining airside without clearing immigration. If you leave the transit area for a meeting, complete the ED Card.
Airline Pilots & Flight Attendants – How Crew Entry Actually Works
Active-duty crew are exempt from the ED Card and fee via GENDEC manifest. The Aruba ED Card for business travelers requires deadheading or off-duty crew on passenger tickets to file individually.
Deadheading Crew – Repositioning vs. Active Duty
Active-duty crew on scheduled flights are exempt from both the ED Card and the $20 fee; the airline submits a GENDEC (General Declaration) manifest to Aruba immigration listing all crew members. Deadheading crew on passenger tickets must file an individual ED Card via edcardaruba.aw and pay the $20 fee, as GENDEC does not cover them.
Private Jet Pilots & Corporate Charter Crew
Private pilots file through the same portal at least 72 hours before landing, specifying the FBO, aircraft registration, and passenger manifest. The Aruba ED Card for business travelers applies to private-aviation crew the same as deadheading crew. Customs clearance for charter arrivals is handled by Departamento di Aduana separately. Verify approved status at airline check-in and arrival immigration.
How to Complete the ED Card – Application, Fee & Validity for Business Travelers
Complete the Aruba ED Card for business travelers online (10-15 minutes, browser only, no mobile app) via edcardaruba.aw using Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge. Visitors 8+ pay a $20 Sustainability Fee via Visa, Mastercard, or Discover.
Enter personal and contact data
Full name, date of birth, nationality, email address, phone number.
Provide passport details
Document number, expiration date, country of issue, passport scan or photo.
Input travel information
Flight number, airline, arrival and departure dates.
Specify accommodation
Hotel, client office address, or coworking space. Never leave blank.
Select purpose of visit and complete the health declaration
Choose the appropriate purpose and fill in the required health information.
Pay the $20 fee (or confirm exemption) and submit
Ideally 72 hours before your flight.
Fee exemptions apply to active-duty crew, transit passengers under 24 hours, travelers returning within one year, children under 8, and Aruba residents. Confirmation arrives by email (affirmation) with a QR code and green checkmark. The Aruba ED Card for business travelers is verified at airline check-in, boarding gate, and arrival immigration. Tip: when entering a coworking space or client office address, double-check the street name spelling to avoid questions at arrival immigration.
Note: Immigration rules may change without notice. Confirm your status with DIMAS or your airline before departure. This information is for general guidance and does not constitute legal advice.
FAQ: Aruba ED Card for Business Travelers
Do business travelers need a visa if they have an ED Card?
No. The ED Card is not a visa. US citizens visa-exempt up to 90 days still need the Aruba ED Card for business travelers for entry processing.
Are on-duty flight crew members exempt from the $20 Sustainability Fee?
Yes. Active-duty crew clear via GENDEC and are exempt. Deadheading crew on passenger tickets must file an individual ED Card and pay the $20 fee.
What should I enter for accommodation if I am staying at a client’s office?
Enter the local company host address, a coworking space, or your registered Airbnb. Never leave the accommodation field blank to avoid processing delays.
Can a corporate travel coordinator submit batch ED Card applications?
No. Each traveler must submit individually through edcardaruba.aw. Prepare a spreadsheet with all passenger data to speed up the process.
Is the ED Card required for a business transit under 24 hours?
Yes, the ED Card is required even when the $20 fee is waived. Only passengers remaining airside without clearing immigration are exempt.
Do I need a new ED Card for every business trip to Aruba?
Yes. Each entry requires a new filing for the Aruba ED Card for business travelers. Returning within one year exempts you from the $20 fee, but registration remains mandatory.
What happens if my ED Card is denied or has an error?
Proceed to a DIMAS officer upon arrival with printed supporting documents. Contact [email protected] before your trip to resolve issues.
Can I use a mobile app to apply for the Aruba ED Card?
No. The system is browser-based only (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge). No dedicated mobile application exists.
Does US Customs Preclearance at AUA replace the ED Card?
No. US Preclearance handles US entry screening only. The Aruba ED Card for business travelers is a separate Aruba-side requirement processed through RADEX BCMS.
